Applebee's franchisee helped area groups raise $369,000

T.L. Cannon Corp., a Florida company that operates 60 franchises of Applebee’s International Inc. in Upstate New York and Connecticut, has been awarded the 2012 “Neighbor of the Year” award by Applebee’s Services Inc.

The award is given annually to one franchise group of 40 in the nation that shows dedication to community service. T.L. Cannon provided more than $2.45 million in support to community non-profit and organizations last year.

The company said, in a statement, its Rochester-area groups raised more than $369,000 through opportunities provided by Applebee’s restaurant in the region.

T.L. Cannon was also awarded the New York State Restaurant Association’s 2012 “Neighbor of the Year” award for the eighth straight year.

“It’s an honor to be recognized as ‘Neighbor of the Year,’ and it’s something that we take very seriously,” said Matt Fairbairn, CEO of T.L. Cannon, in a statement. “Our goal is to give back to the communities where we operate by being a good neighbor. From schools to non-profits, we’re proud to offer support to these worthy organizations year after year.”